5 Day Tanzania Mid-Range Safari
Experience Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro on a 5-day Tanzania mid-range safari. Comfortable lodges, epic wildlife & expert guides included.
Overview
This 5-day mid-range safari offers an unforgettable journey through some of Tanzania’s most diverse and iconic landscapes. Perfect for couples, families, and wildlife enthusiasts, the itinerary covers Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park—each uniquely rich in wildlife, scenery, and cultural heritage.
Begin your adventure in Tarangire, where vast savannahs are dotted with giant baobab trees and teeming with wildlife—especially elephants, zebras, giraffes, and lions. Next, descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a natural wildlife sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers one of the best chances to see the Big Five in a single day. Finally, explore the lush, groundwater-fed forests of Lake Manyara, famous for its tree-climbing lions, pink flamingos, and diverse birdlife.
Throughout the safari, you’ll stay in well-selected mid-range lodges or tented camps, offering comfort, privacy, and warm hospitality. You’ll travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional local guide who ensures every game drive is educational and personalized. With great service, stunning scenery, and close-up wildlife encounters, this safari delivers excellent value without compromising on quality.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this 5-day mid-range safari is a perfect way to experience the magic of Tanzania’s northern circuit.
Safari Itinerary
Upon landing at the airport, you'll be whisked away to your hotel, marking the start of your Tanzanian adventure. Here, you will meet your guide who will provide a comprehensive briefing on the incredible journey ahead. Afterward, take the time to rest or explore the vibrant city of Arusha, known as the gateway to Tanzania's world-renowned national parks. The hotel staff will be more than happy to recommend exciting activities and hidden gems around the area, ensuring you have a memorable first day in this beautiful country.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
After breakfast in Arusha, you’ll depart for Tarangire National Park, a beautiful reserve known for its ancient baobab trees, rolling savannahs, and large herds of elephants. Enjoy a thrilling game drive as you search for lions, giraffes, zebras, and more along the Tarangire River. After a picnic lunch inside the park, continue your scenic journey to Karatu, a peaceful highland town near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Arrive in the evening at your mid-range lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
After an early breakfast, depart from your lodge in Karatu and drive to the Ngorongoro Crater, descending into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera for a full-day game drive. Explore the crater floor, home to an incredible variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, hippos, buffalo, and the rare black rhino. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic sites inside the crater. In the afternoon, ascend back to the rim and return to Karatu for dinner and overnight at your mid-range lodge.
Meals: Full Board
Comfort Accommodation: Marera Valley Lodge
After breakfast at your lodge in Karatu, drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a morning game drive through its lush groundwater forest, open plains, and lakeshore. Keep an eye out for elephants, baboons, flamingos, and the famous tree-climbing lions. After exploring the park and enjoying a picnic lunch, begin your drive back to Arusha, arriving in the late afternoon for drop-off at your hotel or airport—bringing your safari adventure to a close.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
After breakfast and a relaxed morning in Arusha, you will be transferred to the airport for your international departure flight—bringing your unforgettable Tanzanian safari to a close. For those extending their journey, catch a domestic flight to Zanzibar, where white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back island life await. Whether you choose to unwind on the beach or explore Stone Town’s rich culture, Zanzibar is the perfect way to end your East African adventure.
Meals: Breakfast
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks & Wines/Beers
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
FAQs
A mid-range safari is a travel experience that offers great comfort and value. You stay in good quality lodges or tented camps with private bathrooms, enjoy professional guided game drives, delicious meals, and comfortable 4x4 vehicles—without the high cost of luxury safaris.
The average cost ranges from $350 to $550 per person per day, depending on the season, number of people, and parks visited. This includes accommodation, meals, transport, park fees, and guides.
You’ll travel in a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for game viewing. The vehicle is shared or private, depending on your booking, and has charging ports, cooler boxes, and large windows for perfect wildlife photos.
Yes, many Mid-Range lodges provide reliable Wi-Fi, especially in public areas or guest rooms. However, due to remote locations, speeds may vary, and this is often seen as an opportunity to digitally detox and immerse yourself in nature.
Tanzania is a wildlife paradise, home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—as well as cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, crocodiles, hippos, hyenas, jackals, and over 1,100 species of birds. The diversity is staggering and changes by season and region, with the Serengeti and Ngorongoro offering year-round sightings.
Mid-range offers comfort with a romantic touch—cozy lodges, ensuite tents, great service.
Luxury adds exclusivity—private plunge pools, butler service, high-end amenities, and often fly-in safaris for convenience and style.
Definitely. Many luxury safaris conclude with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar, known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and luxury resorts. Direct flights from Serengeti or Arusha make this transition seamless and stress-free.
Of course! We can arrange visits to Maasai villages, coffee farms, or Spice Island tours in Zanzibar. These experiences offer beautiful insight into local life and traditions—perfect for meaningful memories together.
Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before travel. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Also, bring insect repellent and consider travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.
A Mid-Range safari can range from 5 to 12 days, depending on your travel goals. A typical itinerary includes 2–3 nights each in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, allowing time for slow travel, relaxation, and exploration.
While last-minute safaris are possible, we highly recommend booking at least 2–5 months in advance, especially during the high season. Luxury accommodations are limited and tend to fill up quickly due to their exclusivity.
Booking is easy! Contact us via info@tanzaniatrail.co.tz or WhatsApp +255 764 987 596. Our experienced team will help craft your personalized luxury safari itinerary based on your travel dates, preferences, and budget. We handle everything from start to finish.
Yes—if you book at the right time and location. The Great Migration moves across the Serengeti, and we can customize your trip to follow the herds during river crossings or calving season.
Absolutely. While there are standard routes, mid-range safaris can be tailored to fit your dates, number of days, interests (e.g., birdwatching, photography), and budget.
Explore Tanzania`s Beauty
Exclusively set apart from the rest, we focus on giving you life affirming and intimately designed experiences throughout Africa. We have safari packages that will suit your needs and budget, We also curate tailor-made safari itineraries. Travel with us today!
